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Average

#1200 of 2,221 schools in MO

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle

Middle School · INDEPENDENCE 30

2800 S HARDY AVE, Independence, MO 64052

Enrollment

886

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

6.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Missouri schools

#1,200 of 2,221

In Independence

#14 of 35

public schools

In district

#14 of 28

INDEPENDENCE 30

Academic growth

9.7 / 10

Excellent

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Clifford H. Nowlin Middle

6.2/10

Middle School in Independence · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cassell Park Elementary

3.5/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Korte Elem.

4.1/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Clifford H. Nowlin Middle

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle is a public middle school in Independence, MO, part of INDEPENDENCE 30. Clifford H.

Nowlin Middle serves approximately 886 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Clifford H. Nowlin Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,200 of 2,221 schools in MO.

Structured state assessment records for Clifford H. Nowlin Middle show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • District avg 6.4
  • MO avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

36% of students at Clifford H. Nowlin Middle were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.7Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change+8.01 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendImproving
Academics5.1Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency36.4% (2025 MAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25.5% (2025 MAP)
Math vs. State Avg-12.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-16.4 pts
Overall Proficiency31% (2025 MAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)32% (model expectation from 2025 MAP)
vs. Expected-0.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
Resources & Environment2.0Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,302
Chronic Absenteeism36.1%

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle — Students at Clifford H. Nowlin Middle score 31% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

83.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MO MAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 24.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
47.5% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 29.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
42.0% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)

Based on 39 test records from MO state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
31%
ELA
33%
2010
Math
33%
ELA
31%
2011
Math
33%
ELA
35%
2012
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2013
Math
36%
ELA
34%
2014
Math
20%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
21%
ELA
35%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
37%
2017
Math
20%
ELA
30%
2018
Math
18%
ELA
28%
2019
Math
18%
ELA
28%
2020*
Math
13%
ELA
29%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
29%
2022
Math
16%
ELA
22%
2024
Math
21.3%
ELA
24.7%
2025
Math
36.4%
ELA
25.5%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.7/10.

How Clifford H. Nowlin Middle Compares

See how Clifford H. Nowlin Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
46th percentile in MO
Academic
5.1/10
Average
Growth
9.7/10
Excellent
Environment
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
83%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
53 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
36.1%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2800 S HARDY AVE, Independence, MO 64052

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Clifford H. Nowlin Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. PROCTER ELEM. (rated 7.8/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is SUGAR CREEK ELEM. (rated 7.6/10, 3.1 miles away, in nearby Sugar Creek), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PITCHER ELEMENTARY (rated 7.2/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Kansas City), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.9 mi
School Distance Rating
CASSELL PARK ELEMENTARY Independence 0.4 mi 3.5
KORTE ELEM. Independence 0.4 mi 4.1
THREE TRAILS ELEM. Independence 1.0 mi 3.7
PITCHER ELEMENTARY Kansas City 1.4 mi 7.2
VAN HORN HIGH Independnce 1.8 mi 5.2
PROCTER ELEM. Independence 1.5 mi 7.8
SANTA FE TRAIL ELEM. Independence 1.7 mi 4.1
JOHN W. LUFF ELEM. Independence 2.0 mi 6.4
RAYTOWN MIDDLE Kansas City 2.6 mi 5.7
CENTER PLACE RESTORATION SCHOOL Independence 2.4 mi 6.8
FAIRMOUNT ELEM. Independence 2.7 mi 2.5
BRYANT ELEM. Independence 2.5 mi 5.4
TRUMAN HIGH Independence 2.4 mi 5.0
SUGAR CREEK ELEM. Sugar Creek 3.1 mi 7.6
KC INTERNATIONAL-WALLACE Kansas City 3.0 mi 6.7
ABRAHAM MALLINSON ELEMENTARY Sugar Creek 3.2 mi 6.7
KIPP KC LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL Kansas City 2.8 mi 5.6
LAUREL HILLS ELEM. Raytown 3.3 mi 3.6
ROGERS ELEMENTARY Kansas City 2.9 mi 6.0
THOMAS HART BENTON ELEM. Independence 2.9 mi 5.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 64052 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$56,981

Median Home Value

$131,100

Median Rent

$1,105/mo

Population

22,945

College Educated

15.2%

Homeownership

55.3%

Avg Commute

22.5 min

Poverty Rate

17.4%

Median Age

36.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
JACKSON MIDDLE Jackson, MO 6.2
RITENOUR MIDDLE St. Louis, MO 6.3
FT. ZUMWALT SOUTH MIDDLE St. Peters, MO 6.1
BELTON MIDDLE SCHOOL Belton, MO 6.0
BLACK HAWK MIDDLE Warrenton, MO 6.4
LINCOLN INTERMEDIATE Farmington, MO 6.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Clifford H. Nowlin Middle

What grades does Clifford H. Nowlin Middle serve?

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Clifford H. Nowlin Middle?

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle has an enrollment of approximately 886 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Clifford H. Nowlin Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Clifford H. Nowlin Middle is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Clifford H. Nowlin Middle rank in MO?

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle ranks #1,200 of 2,221 schools in MO.

What is Clifford H. Nowlin Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Clifford H. Nowlin Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Clifford H. Nowlin Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Clifford H. Nowlin Middle has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Clifford H. Nowlin Middle a charter school?

No, Clifford H. Nowlin Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Clifford H. Nowlin Middle a Title I school?

No, Clifford H. Nowlin Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Clifford H. Nowlin Middle?

83.1% of students at Clifford H. Nowlin Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
13 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
0 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
21 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
886
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
53
Free/Reduced Lunch
83.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Jackson County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
36.1%

District

INDEPENDENCE 30
District Enrollment
14,168
Schools in District
31
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,302
District Rank
#14 of 28

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